By Johnathan Paoli
Municipal councillors and officials collectively owed municipalities about R165.7 million in debt as at 31 December, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile said on Sunday.
The largest balances were in Johannesburg (R74.8 million), Tshwane (R36.2 million) and Ekurhuleni (R22.9 million). Maile said formal correspondence had been issued to enforce recovery measures and ensure compliance.
Gauteng municipalities were also owed R165.7 billion by residents, businesses and state entities by the end of December, he said.
He said households accounted for 73.3% of outstanding debt, commercial customers 23.2%, and organs of state 3%.
The figures are contained in the consolidated quarterly state of municipal finance report covering the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, which ended on 31 December 2025.
Maile said the publication of the report formed part of an effort to improve transparency and inform the public about how municipal financial performance affects service
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